How to get the puck past Flin Flon goalie Brenden Newton is a question that has gone unanswered for many Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League shooters so far this season.
The 20-year-old has been brilliant at the start of his final junior campaign, playing every minute for the Bombers so far this season.
After last weekend, he led the league in goals against average (1.69) and save percentage (.944).
“I think as a team we feel very confident that we have the best goaltender in the league back there,” said Bombers head coach Mike Reagan.
Newton has staked the team to a 4-1-0-2 record.
Reagan has observed a focused and more mature Newton in net.
“He understands that he has to be a rock back there for us,” Reagan said. “I think that he understands that this is his last chance to make a good impression on scouts. I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to be a (NCAA Division I) goaltender … I just like his approach to the game right now and so far this season.”
The 5-foot-11, 165-pounder is definitely an athlete and he has used his natural abilities and reactions to make big saves.
However, when asked about his success so far, Newton pointed to the mental side of the game.
“I believe it’s been my game preparation that has helped me be successful so far this season, treating every game like it’s do or die and making sure I’m mentally prepared for what’s to come,” said Newton, before the team’s weekend sweep of Melville, in which he recorded his first shutout of the season.
After two successful seasons splitting time with Zac Robidoux, Newton has taken on the role of being the Flin Flon Bombers’ No. 1 goalie.
“My experience in the league has helped me cope with the pressures of being a starting goalie,” the Medicine Hat product said. “I know what I’m capable of; it’s just a matter of getting to that level night in and night out.”
That consistency is what Reagan is looking for.
“For us to be successful, we need to have Newts playing his best hockey and giving us a chance to win each and every night,” the head coach said. “That’s what the best goalies in the league do. They give you a chance every night.”
In front of Newton is a talented but young defensive corps.
“When they make a mistake, he has to bail them out,” Reagan said. “He has done that early on for us.”
After playing midget AAA for the Wilcox-based Notre Dame Hounds, Newton came to the Bombers for the 2015-2016 season. He proved he could compete in the SJHL and had seven wins in the playoffs, helping the Bombers make it to the finals against Melfort.
Last season Newton earned the win in three postseason tilts while helping the team get to the finals to face Battlefords.
“The best part of playing for the Bombers is being part of a winning culture,” Newton said. “Winning is fun, and the past couple years I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of successful teams.”
Newton has certainly played a role in that success. He posted two shutouts as a rookie and three last season. He feels his game has developed during his time in the city built on rock.
“Since I’ve joined the Bombers, I feel like my mental side of the game has improved a lot,” Newton said. “Reaching the level of focus needed to be a consistently good goaltender isn’t an easy task, but it’s something I’ve put a lot of work into.”
